Mark E. Peterson, DVM, DACVIM (internal Medicine): No financial relationships to disclose
Presentation Description / Summary: Cats do develop both congenital and adult-onset naturally occuring hypothyroidism. Although naturally occurring hypothyroidism is rare, iatrogenic hypothyroidism is very common complication of treatment for hyperthyroidism. Until recently, it was thought that most hypothyroid cats remained asymptomatic and did not require treatment. However, hypothyroidism can be deleterious to kidney function and may worsen already present kidney disease (CKD). Instituting T4 replacement therapy may reduce azotemia and prolong survival in these cats.
This lecture will review my diagnostic protocols for naturally occurring and iatrogenic hypothyroidism and discuss which cats need to be treated or just monitored. We will also discuss L-T4 dosing protocols and how to monitor cats on L-T4 treatment.
Learning Objectives:
Naturally occurring hypothyroidism in cats is not as uncommon as most veterinarians belive it to be.
Iatrogenic feline hypothyroidism is a common disorder, which is easy to diagnose with currently available thyroid testing.
Protocols for L-T4 supplementation and monitoring in cats is much different that it is in dogs.
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